The Deputy First Minister said his grandchildren were in the Derry house at the time of the attack on Sunday night.

And he added that the attack was carried out by people intent on dragging society back to the past and they would not deflect him from "building the peace".

Martin McGuinness said: "This was an attack not just on me but on my family too, including my grandchildren who were in the house at the time.

"I would like to thank my neighbours for all their help and assistance in the aftermath of the attack.

"This attack on my family follows an arson attack on the car of a Sinn Féin member in Derry last week and on Sinn Féin election billboards and posters in the city.

"The people behind these attacks have nothing to offer the community and they are intent on dragging society back to the past.

"Neither I or the people I represent will allow them to do that.

"I will not be deflected from my work as a Sinn Fein representative and as Deputy First Minister of building a peaceful and prosperous future for all our people and creating a society built upon equality and inclusion."

The PSNI received a report that a number of paint bombs had been thrown at the property in Westland Terrace in Derry overnight.

Insp Colin Hamilton said: "Damage was caused to the front of the house and a parked car.

"Police enquiries are ongoing and I would ask anyone with information regarding this attack to contact police at Strand Road on 101."